India’s sporting ambitions continue to soar as the government ramps up support for athletes with a significant budgetary push and a comprehensive framework of welfare initiatives. For FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been allocated a record Rs. 3,794 crore—marking a 17% increase from the revised estimates of the previous fiscal year. This includes Rs. 1,000 crore earmarked for the flagship Khelo India programme, Rs. 830 crore for the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Rs. 400 crore to strengthen National Sports Federations (NSFs), according to an official statement from the Ministry.
These allocations come on the back of what has been hailed as a golden decade for Indian sports. From podium finishes at the Olympics and Paralympics to rising dominance in disciplines such as wrestling, boxing, badminton, and athletics, India’s athletes have made their mark globally.
A framework built for every stage of an athlete’s journey
India’s approach to sports development is increasingly structured and inclusive. At its heart is the Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports, launched in 2016-17, aimed at reviving sports culture at the grassroots and creating a strong talent pipeline across the country. The programme is designed to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse.
For athletes who retire from active competition, the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme, launched in 2024, offers education, internships, and reskilling opportunities in areas such as coaching, sports administration, and mentoring.
The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) provides crucial financial support, including: one-time ex-gratia aid up to Rs. 5 lakh, a monthly pension of Rs. 5,000, medical assistance up to Rs. 10 lakh, financial relief of up to Rs. 10 lakh for training or competition-related injuries and aid to families of deceased sportspersons and support personnel.
To further bolster India’s sporting human capital, the Human Resources Development in Sports (HRDS) scheme promotes training, research, and global exposure in sports sciences, coaching, and medicine. This initiative also supports expert visits, the development of sports literature, and digital resources.
Inclusivity at the Core
The government’s vision for sports includes everyone. The Sports and Games for the Disabled scheme ensures that persons with disabilities have access to participative sports opportunities, especially at the grassroots level. While elite para-athletes receive separate support under the NSFs, this scheme aims to broaden the base of participation across schools and communities.
Similarly, the Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) focuses on building sports infrastructure and organizing competitions at village, block, and state levels—especially in rural India. It promotes mass participation and supports operational costs, equipment procurement, and honorariums for volunteers.
Athlete Support and Recognition
The Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) ensures funding for athlete training, international participation, foreign coaching staff, and scientific support. Complementing this is the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), which draws from both public and private resources to address infrastructure gaps and provide elite athletes with world-class training and exposure.
For those who have brought glory to the nation, the Pension Scheme for Meritorious Sportspersons provides long-term financial security. The pension structure includes: Rs. 20,000/month for Olympic, Paralympic, and Deaflympic medallists, Rs. 16,000/month for gold medallists in world championships and Rs. 14,000–Rs. 12,000/month for other international achievements.
India also honours its sporting icons through the National Sports Awards, the country’s highest sporting recognition across six categories. These awards celebrate outstanding achievements, sportsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of athletes representing India on global platforms.
from National https://ift.tt/toYSihQ